Latest news with #PaulStevens
Campaign ME
07-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
A grand slam year: Roland-Garros themed suites launches at Pullman Dubai Downtown
Accor's Pullman Dubai Downtown is serving up a hospitality experience with the launch of the Roland-Garros themed suites – the first of its kind in the Middle East, developed as a part of ALL Accor's loyalty program, and an official partner of the tournament since 2015. Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor says, 'Through our global partnership with Roland-Garros, we're proud to bring this iconic French sporting experience to the region. More than a themed stay, this collaboration celebrates culture and sport in the heart of Dubai, aligning with the UAE's vision to become a global hub for lifestyle, tourism, and innovation in hospitality.' 'We've moved from visibility to immersion. These fully transformed properties with Roland-Garros-inspired design, programming, and fan zones allow guests to live the tournament spirit wherever they are,' says Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific at Accor. It transforms a signature suite into an immersive, grand slam-inspired tennis retreat, offering guests a chance to experience the Parisian tournament in the heart of Dubai. But this activation is just one part of a much larger play for emotional loyalty, immersive experiences, and global brand storytelling. From branding to loyalty ALL Accor branding is prominently featured on-site at Roland-Garros, from courtside signage to hospitality spaces and fan activations. Healy notes, the branded suites were the result of a significant uplift in net media value for ALL Accor (their loyalty program) following the renewed Roland-Garros partnership in 2014, particularly due to enhanced brand visibility on the tournament's main courts. At the same time, viewership of Roland-Garros grew across priority markets for Accor, not just the Middle East, but globally, including Brazil, the U.S., Western Europe, and China. These insights revealed a strong appetite for premium, lifestyle-driven sports content among global audiences. In response, Accor strategically rebranded select hotels to bring the tournament's unique energy and atmosphere directly to guests. 'That's why we extended the experience beyond the screen, rebranding select hotels and creating immersive Roland-Garros atmospheres on property, to engage tennis fans and guests locally in an authentic, emotionally resonant way,' comments Healy. The combination of branding and loyalty efforts strengthens Accor's engagement with its audience, extending its reach beyond the tournament itself and into its own suites. The Roland-Garros themed suites Open from May 27, 2025, to May 2026, the immersive suites and hotel transformations launched at Pullman flagship properties in Paris, Tokyo, and São Paulo – each being the first and only officially licensed Roland-Garros themed suites ever created in their respective countries. These activations are tailored to reflect the local market while staying true to the brand's cosmopolitan and experiential DNA. The suite highlights an immersive in-room design with bespoke Roland-Garros décor, exclusive gaming content, and curated culinary offerings, aimed at engaging tennis fans, design lovers, and cosmopolitan travellers alike. 'Our strategy focuses on direct engagement with tennis fans, lifestyle travellers, and ALL Accor loyalty members, using both global and hyper-local tools,' says Healy. In parallel, Pullman Dubai Downtown activated live tournament screenings and themed events at Breadhouse Bistro & Bakery to further amplify the Grand Slam energy for guests and locals. In-hotel activations, like watch parties, themed dining menus, and immersive fan zones, supported converting locals and walk-ins into brand advocates, making the experience accessible even without a suite booking. And finally, the Limitless Experiences rewarded members with access to Roland-Garros, building emotional loyalty and word-of-mouth buzz far beyond the campaign window. The global media rollout was launched on platforms like YouTube and Meta and is being tailored to meet younger audiences where they live and engage online. The 360° content strategy included behind-the-scenes footage, influencer collaborations, and immersive storytelling across social media and digital channels to drive emotional connection and virality. Hyper-targeted digital ads on platforms like Meta and YouTube, tailored by market (including the UAE, France, Japan, Brazil, and more), are being used to reach tennis audiences during high-intent moments – especially around key tournament dates. Meeting new generations where they are While not explicitly targeted at high-net-worth individuals, the Roland-Garros audience naturally overlaps with Accor's luxury and premium segments. But there's also a strong generational element to the marketing initiative. 'We're not just targeting traditional tennis fans; we're intentionally reaching younger, experience-driven audiences who value curated, culturally relevant brand moments,' says Healy. 'Younger demographics, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly drawn to brands that offer more than just a product or service. They want emotionally resonant experiences, personal relevance, and digital-first engagement. That's exactly what this Roland-Garros partnership delivers.' She continues, 'By elevating ALL Accor as not just a loyalty program but a cultural connector, linking tennis, travel, and lifestyle, we're speaking directly to younger consumers who want to align with brands that share their passions in travel, sport, and unique experiences.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pullman Dubai Downtown (@pullmandubaidowntown) Designed for the Roland-Garros enthusiast The initiative aligns with ALL Accor's broader mission: to evolve its loyalty program into a global lifestyle brand. At the 2024 tournament, Accor launched Advantage a new platform connecting tennis fans with privileged access to hotels, curated experiences, and exclusive rewards. Healy says, 'Our partnership reflects a long-term strategic commitment to elevating ALL Accor, our loyalty program, as a global lifestyle and hospitality brand, particularly in the world of sport,' says Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific at Accor. 'This platform connects tennis fans with the world of ALL Accor, offering privileged hotel access, loyalty rewards, and curated lifestyle experiences. Our goal is to make ALL Accor the natural choice for tennis enthusiasts, not just during the tournament, but year-round,' She adds. As a result, the branded suite aims to deliver a Grand Slam experience while aligning with ALL Accor's ongoing mission to connect guests with culture, sport, and lifestyle experiences. The Roland-Garros themed suites in Dubai is just the beginning. 'Our work with Roland-Garros is a blueprint for how we blend brand, sport, lifestyle, and loyalty into a cohesive and enduring global platform, one that creates real value for guests, hotel owners, and the broader Accor ecosystem,' comments Healy. She adds, 'This isn't just about regional awareness. It's a global brand play. The goal is to scale and adapt this concept across other markets over time, depending on brand fit, guest appetite, and regional event relevance – so while it starts in Dubai for the Middle East, it's not the last.' With international campaigns spanning France, the UK, the U.S., Australia, and Brazil, the brand is building a year-round lifestyle offering that meets guests at the intersection of passion and travel.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Hampshire County Council urged to save 'essential' bus route
Villagers have urged a county council not to cut a bus route described as an "essential lifeline".Hampshire County Council plans to end the service between Fareham and Wickham by Stevens, chairman of the Knowle village residents' association, said axing the number 20 route would have "profound effects" on surrounding council said due to limited funding the service did "not meet the criteria for this support". It added that it must "prioritise bus services with the highest passenger numbers and those serving school routes". Mr Stevens said it was "not just a means of transportation", it was "an essential lifeline" and "primary route" connecting the community to work, education and added: "Losing it would mean greater isolation for many who rely on public transport, reduced accessibility to essential services and increased traffic and traffic costs."Hampshire County Council has a deficit gap of £97.6 million for 2025/26.A spokesperson for the authority said: "Over 90% of Hampshire's bus services are operated commercially by private companies. "The county council provides financial support for a small number of the remaining routes, where budget allows."It said it continued "to listen to residents' concerns and have advised on alternative community transport options, which vary by district". You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Investing in South African commercial property: Top tips for 2025
In 2025, it's not just about visibility or accessibility; it's about anticipating where investment is heading and aligning with that momentum. Strategic location remains the cornerstone of successful commercial property investment in South Africa — but the game has changed. From mixed-use nodes like Cape Town's Century City to the transformative Westown precinct in KwaZulu-Natal, investors are looking beyond the traditional 'position, position, position' mindset. They're following infrastructure, governance quality, and development incentives as key indicators of long-term growth. Whether you're a seasoned investor or exploring development opportunities for the first time, understanding what to look for – and what to avoid – is essential in building a resilient and profitable portfolio. Paul Stevens, chief executive officer of Just Property, outlines the key considerations when investing in commercial real estate: 1. Where investment flows, growth follows Commercial property can offer significant long-term returns and portfolio diversification, but success in this market is rarely accidental. Look out for areas undergoing infrastructure upgrades, precinct developments or special economic zone designations. The Westown precinct in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal, for example, is transforming into a major lifestyle and commercial node with the support of eThekwini Municipality and the private sector. Projects like these bring in roads, fibre connectivity, water security and power infrastructure – the kind of groundwork that makes a location viable for decades. Cape Town continues to outperform much of the country in terms of governance, safety and service delivery. The Western Cape government's consistent investment into transport corridors, clean energy and urban regeneration has translated into increased investor confidence and steadily declining vacancy rates in prime office and mixed-use nodes. 2. Demand and supply: read the vacancy rate, not the hype Vacancy rates are a leading indicator of demand. High vacancies put pressure on rental growth and may suggest an oversupplied or underperforming submarket. Conversely, low vacancy rates can support stronger rental escalations and indicate a more competitive tenant pool. In the office sector, for example, we're seeing a recovery in key urban centres. Prime office space in Cape Town's CBD and decentralised nodes such as Century City are approaching historically low vacancy levels, after a sustained period of contraction and hybrid work adjustments. In contrast, retail is becoming increasingly bifurcated (split into separate and distinct parts). High foot-traffic neighbourhood convenience centres remain resilient, but large-format shopping malls are under pressure from changing consumer behaviour, e-commerce and rising operating costs. If you're considering investing in retail, look for assets that offer a mix of essential services, grocery retail and lifestyle offerings – and pay close attention to tenant composition and turnover. 3. Industrial property: logistics still leads If there's one segment that's consistently outperformed over the past five years, it's industrial. The pandemic-era acceleration of e-commerce created a structural need for warehousing, last-mile logistics and flexible distribution facilities. That demand hasn't waned. In fact, it has matured into a broader trend. According to the Rode Property Report, as reported in Property Wheel, 'nominal gross market rentals for South Africa's industrial space of 500m² grew by 6.7% in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023 with rentals approximately 23% higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019'. The take-up was driven by logistics providers, FMCG distributors and manufacturing operators seeking modern, energy-efficient premises close to key transport routes. When assessing industrial property opportunities, proximity to arterial roads, ports and freight hubs is vital. So too is flexibility of use – a building designed for one tenant type is more risky than a multipurpose facility that can serve several industries. Green features like solar PV and rainwater harvesting are increasingly not just value-adds, but requirements. 4. Zoning, bulk and development potential Development-led investors should be looking for land with the right zoning already in place – or with realistic prospects of rezoning. Land banking in areas earmarked for future expansion can yield strong returns, but only if the right groundwork has been done. Understanding bulk rights, building lines, parking ratios and environmental overlays is essential. So is engaging early with municipal planning departments to understand precinct plans, transportation frameworks and timelines for service rollouts. The redevelopment of underutilised commercial buildings is another emerging trend, particularly in older business districts. However, retrofitting comes with its own risks – compliance with new energy and fire regulations, heritage approvals or the cost of upgrading old systems to modern standards. These projects can be highly lucrative, but they require detailed feasibility studies and the right professional team. 5. Follow the money: where are building plans being passed? Municipal data on building-plan approvals can offer a leading insight into where private developers are placing bets. If you notice an uptick in industrial plans being passed in a particular node or mixed-use precincts gaining traction in a suburban area, it's a sign of confidence and forward-looking demand. At the same time, it's worth noting where plan approvals are declining – especially in overtraded sectors. For instance, many municipalities are seeing a slowdown in office-building approvals, reflecting the oversupply that followed the 2020–2022 remote work trend. That said, the market is recalibrating, and demand is returning for smaller, flexible, high-spec office environments, often in mixed-use or lifestyle precincts. 6. Economic signals: interest rates and lending appetite Commercial real estate is capital-intensive and the cost of debt plays a central role in determining feasibility. While the South African Reserve Bank initiated a rate-cutting cycle in late 2024, recent global economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures have led to a more cautious approach. The prime lending rate is expected to remain relatively stable through 2025, with potential modest declines contingent on favourable economic developments. Banks remain cautious in their commercial lending practices. Loan-to-value ratios are typically capped at 65%–70% for new developments, with lower ratios for speculative projects. Having equity or access to patient capital is a competitive advantage in this environment. It also underscores the importance of robust due diligence, clear business cases and tenant pre-commitments when seeking finance. 7. Keep an eye on the cycle Commercial property is cyclical, and timing matters. Different asset classes perform differently depending on where we are in the cycle. Right now: - Offices are moving into recovery mode, particularly in decentralised nodes with high-spec buildings. - Retail is holding steady in neighbourhood and convenience formats, but faces structural headwinds in large regional centres. - Industrial continues to outperform, especially in logistics-driven corridors. - Hospitality and student housing are attracting renewed attention as tourism rebounds and tertiary institutions return to in-person learning. Understanding these dynamics can help investors ride the upswing and avoid being over-exposed in downturns. 8. Regulatory clarity and operating risks Finally, make sure you understand the regulatory environment – from the basics of building compliance and zoning, to the tax implications of owning and operating commercial property. This includes being aware of legislation such as the Property Practitioners Act and municipal bylaws, which affect everything from agency mandates to electricity resale. Operational risks, too, must be factored in. Load shedding, water insecurity and municipal inefficiencies remain real challenges in parts of the country. Where possible, invest in buildings or precincts with backup power, water storage, and proactive management. Tenants increasingly demand these features – and they impact rental growth and tenant retention over the long term. The commercial property market rewards insight, not speculation. Success lies in doing your homework: understanding market cycles, selecting growth areas with strong fundamentals and partnering with experienced commercial brokers who can help you unlock long-term value. If you're willing to take a measured approach – guided by real data, local knowledge and sector trends – there are excellent opportunities to be found in 2025 and beyond. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Tourism Breaking News
18-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Accor unveils First Roland-Garros Themed Room in the Middle East at Pullman Downtown Dubai
Post Views: 48 Accor has introduced a unique hospitality experience by launching the first Roland-Garros themed room in the Middle East, located at the Pullman Downtown Dubai. The immersive concept brings together sport, culture, and travel in a distinctive setting designed to appeal to tennis fans and global travellers alike. Speaking at the unveiling, Paul Stevens, COO – EMEA at Accor, emphasized the group's commitment to creating memorable and culturally enriched guest experiences. 'We aim to go beyond traditional hospitality by integrating elements of global events and culture into our offerings. This themed room is a celebration of the Roland-Garros legacy, offering guests a chance to engage with the spirit of the tournament in a completely new way,' he said. The Dubai installation marks the first of its kind in the region, with three more themed rooms set to debut in São Paulo, Tokyo, and France. Through this initiative, Accor continues to push the boundaries of experiential travel, creating spaces that resonate with passion and purpose.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South African Property in 2025: What Q1 reveals about the road ahead?
The South African property market began 2025 on a cautiously optimistic note. With inflation easing, interest rates holding steady with potential modest declines, and policy shifts making entry more affordable, the first quarter brought fresh energy into a market that showed resilience but little momentum in 2024. Drawing from Lightstone, BetterBond, and FNB data, Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, examines where the sector stands today and what we can expect from the rest of the year. A look back: the slow grind of 2024 Last year, the market was shaped by economic pressure and buyer hesitancy. The FNB House Price Index recorded just 0.3% year-on-year growth in October, down from 0.5% in September. Gauteng, the country's largest housing market, saw prices decline by 2.6%. Coastal areas in the Western Cape bucked the trend, buoyed by lingering semi-gration demand. Mortgage volumes began to pick up in Q4, with BetterBond noting a 6.6% year-on-year increase in applications and an 8.1% rise in home loans granted. Rental markets outperformed expectations. National average rent grew by 4.8% year on year in Q3 2024, with the Western Cape leading at 9.3%. Tenant affordability improved, arrears dropped to near-record lows, and average rent remained below 30% of household income. A fresh start: Q1 2025 insights Lightstone's Q1 2025 transfer data offers the clearest picture yet of post-pandemic market normalisation. The High Value segment (R700 000 – R1.5 million) accounted for the largest share of activity: 33.8% of volume and value. The Mid Value segment (R250 000 – R700 000) followed closely at 32.9% by volume, although its share of value was lower at 18.3%, reflecting affordability constraints. First-time buyers remained active in these bands, with 16.9% buying into the High Value category and 16.4% into the Mid Value range. Notably, average spend among first-time buyers was R1.2 million in the High Value band and R557 000 in the Mid Value band, showing a strong middle-market entry trend. A small portion also bought into the Luxury segment (R1.5 million – R3 million), with an average spend of R2.2 million. Regulatory shifts are supporting this momentum. From 1 April 2025, properties priced under R1.21 million were exempt from Transfer Duty Tax. This change, announced in the February Budget Speech, eases upfront costs for many buyers. Transfer Duty, effective from 1 April 2025 (Source: Sars) While the repo rate remained unchanged at 11% in the 20 March monetary policy announcement, the Deeds Office implemented a revised fee structure from 1 April, which includes a new lodgement fee (R50 per deed or document) and the requirement that all fees are now to be paid in advance. Looking ahead: opportunity in the details If inflation continues to slow, rate cuts may resume, enhancing affordability and spurring further buyer activity. Recent announcements from the United States regarding increased tariffs on a range of imported goods could have indirect consequences for the South African property market. Should these tariffs lead to disruptions in global supply chains or increased costs for building materials – particularly those with components sourced internationally – developers may face tighter margins and delayed project timelines. Higher input costs could also place upward pressure on the pricing of new residential and commercial builds, especially in the mid to high-end segments. Investors and developers would do well to monitor this closely, particularly if their projects rely on imported finishes, equipment or construction technologies. Here are my key takeouts for buyers, investors and developers: For first-time buyers: Properties under R1.21 million are now exempt from transfer duty, making this an ideal entry point. Consider the High Value segment for long-term appreciation, but factor in total transaction costs, including new deeds office fees. For investors: The rental market continues to perform well, particularly in the Western Cape. High demand, limited supply, and improved affordability create strong conditions for yield. Consider locations with low arrears and rising rent-to-income ratios. For developers: Keep an eye on supply chains for internationally sourced materials and fittings. Should costs increase, developers should see this as an opportunity to source new suppliers or revisit pricing structures. For commercial buyers: Industrial remains the most promising sector. Focus on logistics and light manufacturing hubs. Office property, while oversupplied, may offer long-term potential in niche or repositioned formats. For all buyers: Monitor inflation, interest rate decisions and potential policy shifts in the second half of 2025. These will shape affordability and investment timing. With Q1 providing a solid start and policy adjustments enhancing affordability, 2025 may be the year the South African property market transitions from recovery to renewed growth. Copyright © 2022 - All materials can be used freely, indicating the origin Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
